Revolution and Constitutionalism in Britain and the U.S.: Burke and Madison and Their Contemporary Legacies

In "Revolution and Constitutionalism in Britain and the U.S.: Burke and Madison and Their Contemporary Legacies," David A. J. Richards explores the comparative analysis of Edmund Burke and James Madison, two influential figures in late eighteenth-century constitutionalism. He examines their shared and differing perspectives on violent revolution, defending Burke as a central figure in liberal constitutionalism, exploring his psychology, and highlighting his enduring contribution to understanding fascist threats to political liberalism. The book combines thorough research with personal experiences and is valuable for scholars in political science, constitutional law, history, political psychology, and LGBTQ+ issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In his book "Revolution and Constitutionalism in Britain and the U.S.: Burke and Madison and Their Contemporary Legacies," David A. J. Richards delves into an insightful comparative analysis of two pivotal figures in late eighteenth-century constitutionalism: Edmund Burke and James Madison. This examination takes place during a pivotal period when two significant constitutional experiments were underway: the Constitution of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the U.S. Constitution of 1787. Richards' objective is to assess the extent to which Burke and Madison, as liberal Lockean constitutionalists, shared common beliefs and yet exhibited distinct perspectives on the issue of violent revolution. Through three groundbreaking and original contributions, Richards highlights the significance of Burke. Firstly, the book establishes Burke as a central figure in the development and understanding of liberal constitutionalism. Secondly, it delves into the psychological factors that shaped Burke's liberal voice, including his enduring and profound relationship with another man. Thirdly, it explores how Burke's understanding of the political psychology of "political religions" continues to make a lasting impact on our understanding of fascist threats to political liberalism, particularly in the context of contemporary constitutional crises in the U.S. and U.K. stemming from populist movements.

Richards' approach to this study is characterized by a blend of thorough research and personal insights. By incorporating his own experiences and perspectives, he adds depth and richness to the analysis. This book is poised to become an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of political science, theory, constitutional law, history, political psychology, and LGBTQ+ issues. It offers a comprehensive examination of the ideas and legacies of Burke and Madison, shedding light on their contributions to constitutionalism and their relevance in contemporary society.

In conclusion, "Revolution and Constitutionalism in Britain and the U.S.: Burke and Madison and Their Contemporary Legacies" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides a fresh perspective on the historical figures of Burke and Madison. Through his meticulous research and personal anecdotes, Richards offers valuable insights into the development of liberal constitutionalism, the psychology of political voice, and the enduring threats to political liberalism. This book will be of great interest to scholars, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of constitutionalism and its impact on society.

Weight: 625g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032530062